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Dua for travelling: the traveller’s supplication in Arabic and English
The supplications the Prophet ﷺ would say when setting out on a journey, when stopping at a place and when coming back home.
The dua when setting out on a journey
“Allah is the Greatest (3 times). Glory be to Him who has subjected this to us, though we could never have subdued it ourselves, and to our Lord we shall surely return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey for goodness and piety, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from distressing sights, and from an evil return in wealth and family.”
Sahih Muslim, 1342The dua when returning
“We return, repenting, worshipping our Lord and praising Him.”
Sahih Muslim, 1342On returning, one recites the departure dua and then adds this phrase.
When arriving at a place
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”
Sahih Muslim, 2708The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever says this when stopping somewhere will not be harmed until he departs.
Bidding farewell to a traveller
“I entrust to Allah your religion, your trust and the last of your deeds.”
Abu Dawud, 2600 — at-Tirmidhi, 3443The traveller’s prayer
| Prayer | At home | Travelling (qasr) |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 rak‘ahs | 2 rak‘ahs |
| Dhuhr | 4 rak‘ahs | 2 rak‘ahs |
| Asr | 4 rak‘ahs | 2 rak‘ahs |
| Maghrib | 3 rak‘ahs | 3 rak‘ahs |
| Isha | 4 rak‘ahs | 2 rak‘ahs |
The traveller may also combine Dhuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha. For the prayer direction while on the move, use the qibla compass, and for timings, the prayer times of the city where you are.
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You may be wondering…
When should the dua for travelling be said?
It is said once seated on one’s mount, which today means in the car, train or plane, at the moment of departure. The Prophet ﷺ would say “Allahu akbar” three times and then the dua (Sahih Muslim, 1342).
What should be said when returning from a journey?
The same dua is repeated with this addition: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, ‘abiduna, li-rabbina hamidun” (we return, repenting, worshipping our Lord and praising Him) (Sahih Muslim, 1342).
Is the traveller’s dua answered?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ named the traveller among the three people whose dua is answered without doubt, together with the oppressed and a father praying for his child (Abu Dawud, 1536; at-Tirmidhi, 1905).
Can the prayer be shortened while travelling?
Yes. While travelling, the four-rak‘ah prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha) are shortened to two: this is the qasr (Surah An-Nisa, 4:101). Fajr and Maghrib do not change. Most scholars set the distance at about 80 km; it is also permitted to combine Dhuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha.
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